Author Events for Sports Lovers of All Ages Featured at the 22nd Edition of the Book Festival of the MJCCA

Presented by Greenberg Traurig and PNC Bank

On Sunday, November 17 at 4:30 pm, the 22nd Edition of the Book Festival of the MJCCA, welcomes three authors — Robert Weintraub, Larry Ruttman, and John Rosengren – each discussing different aspects of American Jews and America’s favorite game of baseball. The event will be held at the Marcus Jewish Community Center of Atlanta (MJCCA), 5342 Tilly Mill Road, Dunwoody. To purchase tickets, call 678.812.4005 or visit online at www.atlantajcc.org/bookfestival.  

Book Festival Co-Chair Marcy Bass said, “Fathers & sons, grandfathers & grandsons – this is the perfect opportunity to come and learn about the role of Jews in America’s favorite pastime: baseball.”

Book Festival Co-Chair Wendy Bearman adds, “Whether you are a former baseball player, a budding baseball player, or a baseball spectator, this is the perfect opportunity to gain some knowledge, while enjoying peanuts at the ‘old ball game.’”

SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 17, 4:30 pm (Member: $9 / Community: $14)

One Program; Three Authors

 Robert Weintraub, The Victory Season: World War II, the Homecoming, and the Birth of Baseball’s Golden Age (*Local Author!)

In the spring of 1946, Americans were ready to heal. WWII was finally over, and hundreds of players, including stars like Ted Williams, Stan Musial, and Joe DiMaggio returned home to get back to baseball. Robert Weintraub brings to life the on-field action, as well as the little-known tales of ballplayers at war. 

 Larry Ruttman, American Jews and America’s Game: Voices of a Growing Legacy in Baseball

The Jewish presence in baseball extends beyond a few famous players such as Greenberg, Rosen, Koufax, Holtzman, Green, and Youkilis. The stories tell the history of the larger-than-life role of Jews in America’s pastime. American Jews talks about growing up Jewish and dealing with Jewish identity, in-termarriage, religious observance, anti-Semitism, and Israel. Each tells about being in the midst of the colorful pantheon of players who, over the past 75 years or more, have made baseball what it is. 

 John Rosengren, Hank Greenberg: The Hero of Heroes

Delving into the life and career of America’s first Jewish superstar, Hank Greenberg, author John Rosengren brings us a definitive portrait of a man who overcame the prejudices of a world in turmoil to achieve baseball immortality and become a hero to a generation of Jewish-Americans. As an outsider who rose to the top of the nation’s quintessential game, no one represents the American experience quite like Greenberg.

About the Book Festival of the MJCCA

The 22nd Edition of the Book Festival of the MJCCA, one of the South’s premier literary events, is scheduled for November 2-17, 2013, and features works from this year’s most sought-after and talked-about authors, celebrities, and influencers. Featured authors include: Scott Turow, Jeffrey Toobin, Chris Matthews, Elin Hilderbrand, Clark Howard, Brad Meltzer, Alan Dershowitz, and Pat Conroy. More than 10,000 visitors will enjoy engaging speaker programs, author meet-and-greets, book signings, panel discussions, The Family Reading Festival, and more. Most events will be held at the Marcus Jewish Community Center of Atlanta (MJCCA), 5342 Tilly Mill Road, Dunwoody. 

Contact Information for The 22nd Edition of the Book Festival of the MJCCA

Media Inquiries: Contact Lora Sommer at 678.812.4078, lora.sommer@atlantajcc.org. 

Purchase Tickets/More Info: Click here, call the MJCCA Box Office at 678.812.4005, or visit on-line at www.atlantajcc.org/bookfestival.

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